25-year-old teaching assistant and pole instructor Demisha Patel has benefited from The Christie hospital’s psychological service which helped her cope with treatment for a brain tumour.
Diagnosed in April 2023, Demisha, from Bolton, faced not only the physical challenges of treatment but also the emotional toll of navigating a life-altering diagnosis during a critical stage of development.
While undergoing treatment at The Christie cancer centre in Manchester, the hospital’s bespoke teenage and young adult (TYA) unit’s psychological service provided Demisha with support to help her cope with the stresses of treatment and regain a sense of control.
Funded by The Christie Charity, which supports the work of The Christie hospital, this essential service provides tailored one-to-one therapy, group support, and guidance specifically aimed at young people to help them navigate the profound impact cancer can have on their mental health, independence, and life goals. By addressing these unique challenges, the service empowers young cancer patients to live their best possible lives, ensuring they have the support they need at every stage of their journey.
The psychological service, led by Dr Louise Robinson, Macmillan consultant clinical psychologist, provides critical therapy for young people aged 16 to 24 facing a cancer diagnosis. The team also extends its support to nurses, consultants and staff who work closely with these patients, helping them cope with the emotional challenges of their roles.
Dr Robinson explains the unique impact of the service: “Receiving a cancer diagnosis at such a formative stage of life can be deeply traumatic. Many young people feel their lives are put on hold – whether that’s pausing university, work, or simply losing their independence. Our aim is to help them navigate the challenges they face, whether it’s dealing with anxiety, managing changes in friendships, or tackling the long-term impact of treatment, so they can live their best lives.”
Demisha explains how the psychological service helped her cope with her brain tumour diagnosis and subsequent treatment: “I had weekly sessions which helped my intense anxiety at the time. I found a lot of comfort speaking to someone about how I felt, which was different to talking to my family. It was so nice to have a ‘safe space’ talking to Louise. She was good at bringing me back to the ‘right now’ when I felt like my mind was a bit crazy.”
Since its launch in late 2022, the psychological support service has made a tangible difference. Last year alone, the team provided support to 90 young patients through over 600 appointments, helping them to manage the life-altering challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis. It takes a flexible and patient-centred approach, offering in-person, video, or phone sessions depending on individual needs and availability. The psychologists are embedded in weekly multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings to ensure holistic support for both inpatients and outpatients.
The service is uniquely tailored to the needs of young patients, recognising that their experiences and challenges differ significantly from adults. Hanna Simpson TYA directorate lead nurse explains: “Cancer during these years can derail milestones like leaving home, forging independence, or maintaining friendships. The psychological impact can include feelings of isolation, anxiety, and even long-term trauma, and in some cases, issues such as fertility or personality changes due to the effects of treatment.
“This psychological service is about more than mental health support – it’s about giving young people the tools to regain a sense of control, overcome obstacles, and rebuild their lives in the face of an extraordinary challenge.”
Young people diagnosed with cancer often face challenges that disrupt their physical, emotional, and social development. For patients with brain tumours, these challenges are further compounded by neurocognitive impairments caused by treatment, affecting education, self-esteem, and daily life. The TYA’s psychological service aims to bridge these gaps by providing psychological assessments to detect and address distress early; tailored therapies such as solution-focused therapy, counselling, and neurorehabilitation.
This vital service has been made possible by The Christie Charity, through generous funding from a number of sources, with the most recent contribution coming from The PEEL Group Foundation.
Marie Toller, head of philanthropy at The Christie Charity, said: “It’s thanks to organisations like The PEEL Group Foundation that young patients have access to such vital support. This psychological service is an essential part of the TYA unit’s holistic approach to cancer care, providing young people with a lifeline during an incredibly difficult time. This funding enables rapid access to highly trained child and adolescent psychology experts, ensuring that patients like Demisha receive the care they need at the right time.”
Thankfully, Demisha’s treatment was successful, and she has now returned to her work at a primary school. “I still have scans every six months at The Christie,” she explained. “Since I stopped my treatment, I have been putting into practice lots of the advice that Louise gave me during the sessions we had. I would definitely recommend this psychological service to anyone who faces the the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.”
